Birmingham retail startup Square One Goods Co. is opening its first brick-and-mortar store in downtown Birmingham on Saturday, August 25.
The card, gift and stationery shop will make its home in the mixed-use Founders Station development. The 500 square-foot space, looking out into the newly created plaza between Morris Avenue and 1st Avenue North, promises to be a small shop with big personality.
The move to brick-and-mortar allows Hardy to expand Square One’s unique signature line, continue their focus on locally made products, as well as introduce new brands to Birmingham. From an “I love you more than James Spann loves suspenders” card to “What the food truck?” t-shirt to “Bham AF” throw pillow, the shop is full of witty and often Birmingham-centric gifts. Shop visitors also have a chance at a sighting (and possible petting) of Square One’s Chief Fido Officer Murphy – a rescue cocker spaniel.“We’re beyond excited to be joining the growing family of shops in downtown Birmingham,” said owner Kate Hardy. “The people of Birmingham have been so supportive of our journey, and we’re incredibly proud of our city and its creative talent and can’t wait to show it off. Our aim has always been to add to the vibrancy of downtown Birmingham, provide a place for local makers and creators to showcase their products, and give back to a city that has given so much to us.”
One way Square One is giving back to its community is with the “All Write” initiative in partnership with Build UP- Ensley. For every stationery item purchased at Square One’s downtown location, they will donate a stationery item to Build UP’s workforce development school serving Birmingham youth. Build UP provides young people with career-ready skills through paid apprenticeships with industry-aligned academic coursework, leading them to become educated, credentialed, and empowered civic leaders, workers and property owners.
Hardy began her journey as a vendor at Woodlawn Street Market in early 2017. Following a successful market season, Hardy pitched the idea of a permanent retail location as a finalist in REV Birmingham’s 2017 Big Pitch Presented by PNC, winning 2nd place. This injection of confidence and cash led to the first iteration of Square One as a brick-and-mortar store, a month-long pop-up at the Alabama Theatre in December 2017. Keen to capitalize on the success of the pop-up, Hardy worked with REV on the search for Square One’s permanent home downtown.
“Kate is adding to the vibrancy of downtown Birmingham in her wonderfully witty way,” said REV CEO David Fleming. “Square One Goods is one of three Big Pitch finalists anchoring the Founders Station development, along with Amanda Blake Turner of Sprout and Pour and Kristen Farmer Hall of The Essential – and we couldn’t be prouder of all three small business owners.”
Square One’s hours are:

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